MPCA NEWS

Have You Registered to Attend the Operations Network Meeting?

The Michigan Primary Care Association Operations Network meeting is scheduled for December 16, 2015 from 11 am to 5 pm ET. The half-day, face-to-face meeting is being held in conjunction with the UDS Training scheduled for the following day. Both sessions will be held at the Crowne Plaza Lansing West Hotel in Lansing, Michigan. The Operations Network meeting is limited to 24 people, don't miss out, register here.

Neal Selected for Michigan HIV/AIDS Council Membership

Llekken Neal, a clinical specialist with Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA), has been accepted as a member of the Michigan HIV/AIDS Council (MHAC) for a three-year membership beginning in January 2016.

The MHAC is a statewide body that serves in an advisory role to the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services. The mission of MHAC is to represent the diversity of those infected, affected, and at-risk of HIV in the state of Michigan, to maintain parity among prevention and care issues, and to engage key stakeholders in identifying strategies and barriers to HIV prevention and care. Membership applications are competitive and seek individuals who have experience and expertise in HIV/AIDS and support working towards the development of a statewide comprehensive plan(s) for HIV/AIDS prevention, care and monitoring implementation of the plan(s).

Neal, a member of MPCA's clinical team, is a population health specialist who focuses on HIV/AIDS and the LGBTQ populations by providing strategic planning and developing local and national partnerships. In addition, she serves as a data analyst for Michigan Quality Improvement Network, conducts trend, forecast, benchmark and comparative analyses to drive quality and process improvement initiatives.

Healthy Michigan Plan Second Waiver Advocacy Webinar

The Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA) held an advocacy webinar on December 1, 2015, to create awareness centered on the impact the Healthy Michigan Plan has had on the state. If you missed the webinar, it can be accessed here.

As we prepare for a decision from the Centers of Medicaid & Medicare, advocacy efforts should be proactive and focus on building HMP awareness throughout December. Additional advocacy resources for HMP can be found here.

In the article, experts stated the seven percent cost-sharing limit likely presents the biggest sticking point. In addition, if federal officials do not approve the provision, Governor Rick Snyder would need to turn to state legislature to save the program, a more conservative legislature than the one that barely approved expansion in 2013. "To expect this legislature to reopen it and address it in a constructive, responsive, heartfelt way is just awfully difficult to envision," said Sibilsky. "If CMS comes out with anything but a straight 'yes'...it's very clear what this legislature will do."

A spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services said discussions have been "productive" and the department is "cautiously optimistic" about receiving approval for the second waiver.

The article appeared on the subscription-only arm of the policy and government news service, PoliticoPro. A copy of the Politico article can be read on MPCA's website.Health Center Board Member Committee Network Webinar Scheduled

Are you a member of the Health Center Board Member Committee Network? If so, be sure to join Michigan Primary Care Association on December 16, 2015, from 10 - 11 am ET, for a Health Center advocacy webinar. (You do not need to have board membership to attend, the webinar is open to anyone interested.)

The webinar will feature Elizabeth Kwasnik, Manager of Grassroots Advocacy, National Association of Community Health Centers. There is no cost to attend the webinar, but attendees are required to register in advance. Not a member of the Health center Board Member Committee Network? If you have any questions, contact Nashia Choudhury.eUpdate & MPCA Holiday Schedule

It's hard to believe, but year-end is upon us. As such, please take note of the following Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA) closures for the holiday season as well as the eUpdate schedule:

Please note that you must be logged in to MPCA’s online community when registering for MPCA-hosted events to receive a discounted rate if your organization is an MPCA member. If you are subscribed to the MPCA eUpdate, you have a profile in MPCA's online community. If you have forgotten your password, please use the "forgot password" link under the sign-in box to reset your password. If you need further assistance, please contact info@mpca.net.

MPCA posts job openings at Michigan Health Center Program grantees, Michigan FQHC Look-Alikes, and MPCA active member organizations. To submit a job opening for posting in the online MPCA Career Center and in the MPCA eUpdate, email the job title, a brief overview, a bulleted list of qualifications, and instructions on how to apply to info@mpca.net with Job Posting in the subject field.

Stay up-to-date on Michigan influenza information with FluBytes, available from the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services and sign up for the MI Flu Focus mailing list by sending an email to Stephanie Cole.

Nominate a Champion of Change

Prescription drug abuse and heroin use have impacted many Americans and their families and strained community services. Do you know an individual who has made an extraordinary difference in your community in advancing prevention, treatment and recovery? If so, nominate this individual as a Champion of Change.

The Champion of Change is a national recognition given by the White House, in honor of incredible individuals who lead as Champions of Change.

2014 National Health Expenditures Released
On December 2, 2015, the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare (CMS) released the national health expenditures for 2014 as studied by the Office of the Actuary at CMS. Overall, U.S. health care spending grew 5.3 percent reaching over $3 trillion or $9,523 per person.

Households and the federal government accounted for the largest shares of spending (both at 28 percent), followed by private businesses at 20 percent and state and local governments (both at 17 percent). The federal government share increased from 26 percent (2013) due mainly to Medicaid expansion and health insurance premium tax credits.

The report concludes the increase in spending growth from 2013 was primarily driven by millions of new people with health insurance coverage as a result of the Affordable Care Act and by rapidly rising prescription drug costs.

Over the last several weeks, the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) has released weekly Marketplace enrollment snapshot data. This week, CMS included state level enrollment data in their weekly snapshot.

In Michigan, 63,334 plan selections were made between November 1 and 28. The total reflects a preliminary total of individuals who have submitted a Marketplace application and selected a plan. Of the 38 states in the Federal Facilitated Marketplace, Michigan ranks 5th in the highest number of plan selections made.

Plan First!, Michigan's Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver for family planning services, will end coverage on January 31, 2016.

Currently, Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) is conducting reviews to determine eligibility for other Michigan Medicaid programs including the Healthy Michigan Plan. Eligibility will be automatically reviewed for current Plan First! beneficiaries who do not have additional health care coverage on record. Current Plan First! beneficiaries who have additional health care coverage through a third party must opt-in to the eligibility review process by December 11, 2015. Beneficiaries can have their coverage eligibility reviewed by submitting a new coverage application online or by calling 877.522.8050. Individuals with general questions should contact the MDHHS Beneficiary Help Line at 800.642.3195.

If you have questions or concerns, please send a message to enroll@mpca.net.

State of the State Program Cover Student Design Contest

Michigan K-12 students are invited to help Governor Snyder design the 2016 State of the State program cover. The top five designs will be shared on Governor Snyder's Facebook page and the winner will be determined by Facebook "Likes". The winner and one guest will be invited to meet Governor Snyder and attend the 2016 State of the State address at the Capitol Building in Lansing, Michigan. Deadline for submissions: January 3, 2016. For more information, click here.